Exodus 29: Lessons on Being a Priest for God From the Ordination of the Priests

Introduction: After designating Aaron to lead the priesthood, God gave Moses instructions for ordaining the priests (Ex. 29; Lev. 8). These instructions apply to every believer today because being a believer in Christ automatically makes you part of His holy priesthood (1 Pet. 2:5, 9; Rev. 1:6). While the ordination process in Moses’ day involved the sacrifice of animals, today it involves “spiritual sacrifices” to Jesus: “you also, as living stones, are being built up as a spiritual house for a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.” (1 Pet. 2:5). “Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God--this is your spiritual act of worship.” (Rom. 12:1). Each time the Bible mentions a specific animal or organ sacrifice, it is your task to first see how it foreshadowed Christ and then find the equivalent spiritual sacrifice for Him. From this chapter, God gives every believer seven important lessons on being a priest for Him.

First, God gave Moses a list of items to be sacrificed or used in the ordination process. Each thing on God’s list foreshadowed Christ. Only He can wash you clean of your sin and ordain you as a priest for Him. Second, God instructed the priests to place blood at the bronze altar. This required faith in believing that the priest’s sins were transferred to the altar. This also foreshadowed the need to have faith that your sins were transferred to Christ at the cross. Third, through His directions to the priests to sacrifice the “lobe of the liver” and the “kidneys” (organs that keep you clean inside), He directs you to surrender to Him control over the things that keep you clean on the inside. Fourth, through His direction to place blood on the right ear lobe, the right thumb and the right toe of the priest (the dominant side of the body), He directs you to let Christ be the dominant force leading your life. Fifth, through His direction for the priests to give Him the animal “fat” mixed with oil and bread in a “wave offering”, He directs you to deny your flesh and give the best of your life to Him. Sixth, through His directions to give the “breast meat” and “thigh meat” as a wave offering, He directs you to commit both your love and your strength to serving Him. Finally, through His direction to the priests to eat a fellowship meal at the doorway of the Tent of Meeting, He directs you to open the door of your heart to Jesus so that He may dine with you in communion.

1. Be Washed Clean Through the Blood of Christ. Ex. 29:1-9.

The Consecration of the priests1

2. Have Faith in the Power of Christ’s Blood. Ex. 29:10-12.

The sacrifices in the Tabernacle[1]

[1] Jesus Loves You Today Ministry - Daily Bible Study Pictures and Notes for Exodus 28-30

3. Let God Keep Your Pure. Ex. 29:13-18.

4. Let God Lead You Through the Blood of Christ and the Holy Spirit. Ex. 29:19-21.

5. Deny Your Flesh and Give God the Best of Your Life. Ex. 29:22-25.

6. Love God With All Your Heart and Mind. Ex. 29:26-30.

Wave offering2

7. Seek Out Constant Fellowship and Communion with Christ. Ex. 29:31-46.

Source4